The sky’s the limit when it comes to looking for exotic sunny locales in the Pacific. Of the different hotspots dotted along its turquoise seas, some of the most phenomenal include Hawaii and Phuket, Thailand. The Pacific region lends itself to a natural grandeur that many other holiday spots do not present to travellers. Whether you are looking for a place to sun and be lazy, sight-see or find entertainment, both Hawaii and Phuket are ideal, even for the seasoned traveller.

 Reasonably priced flights to Phuket Island make Thailand a most attractive choice for any holiday venture. If you are looking for a place to quietly relax, Kata Beach is a great spot. It is close to everything that you might want to see while on your trip to this particular locale. Visit its south part, or Kata Noi, for more seclusion. Patong Beach makes nightlife available for the ‘young at heart,’ and yet it is easy to find a quiet place to retreat if you really do not enjoy the party scene. There are a lot of facilities near the beach and plenty of choices to try water sports such as water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing etc. Nai Yang is a lovely beach on the west cost of the island. Apart from its turquoise waters, people visit Nai Yang for picnics under the tree shade or for tasting freshly baked seafood that locals sell at the beach.

[Nai Yang Beach - Photo by Flickr user  Andy_Mitchell_UK] 

Shopping in Thailand is a unique experience, with all the different styles, bold colours and cheap prices. Small shops in Phuket Town are popular with all of their Thai produced goods. Offers can be made for the things that interest you as bargaining and even haggling are a way of life for the Thai people. If you prefer, there are many air-conditioned malls available, but you will likely pay more for some of the same goods. Hotels and restaurants are plentiful and more reasonably priced on the eastern side of the island as opposed to the western locations. There are restaurants that offer fine dining and then there are restaurants that you can locate off the main streets that serve mostly to locals. These are the places where you will get to know the true local culture in all its authenticity. It’s also where you’ll pay pocket change and eat like royalty!

Despite the distance, plenty of good deals on flights to Hawaii are available given the high demand from holidaymakers heading to the Islands. The four primary isles are Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai and they’re overflowing with sunny beaches where visitors can tan, swim, ‘catch a wave,’ or just explore. Lumahai Beach on the north shore of Kaua'i Island is where ‘South Pacific’ was filmed. The waves are high and swimming is difficult, but this area offers some wonderful history, a scenic view and a look at the local culture. Waikoloa Beach on the northern shore of Big Island is a safe choice for swimming, sunbathing and body surfing. You can walk a winding, palm-lined path from the Marriott Resort to the beach. It is good to stay on the beach until sunset for a most awesome view of the water, waves, beach and skies. For those visiting Oahu island, Lanikai Beach is a must. Its crystalline turquoise waters are ideal for children as the off-shore reefs protect it from the waves. 

[Lanikai Beach - Photo by Flickr user  MattSims] 

Undoubtedly, Hawaii is one of the Earth’s paradise islands, comprising numerous outstanding landscapes and a wide range of recreational and sightseeing activities, and attractions. All the Hawaiian Islands have something to offer. From horseback riding to exploring the countryside, scuba diving to see Hawaii’s rich sea life with myriads of tropical fish and breath-taking underwater lava formations. For those who don’t relish being fully submerged under the sea, snorkelling is a good alternative to scuba and ranks among the destination’s many unforgettable adventures. Hawaii also offers visitors a great opportunity for surfing. Not only does it boast great stunning beaches, but it serves up majestically large waves along its picturesque shores. You don’t have to be an expert to surf as it is possible to book surfing lessons while there. Sports lovers might also enjoy kayaking while they explore Hawaii’s shores. There are plenty of things to do and see in Hawaii to make it an unforgettable holiday.

Booking in advance can give you the chance to find the cheapest flights available. So, start planning your sunny holiday either in Phuket or Hawaii.

This is a guest post by Sebastian Chirino, travel blogger for a flight comparison website.

Hello beach boys and girls!

We always find it exciting when we discover truly unique and wonderful beaches to show you. This time, we have carefully selected for you 6 beaches and coastal sights, with unique characteristics that make them a must-see!

(Clicking on each name will redirect you to the beach page)

1.  Zlatni Rat - Splitsko-Dalmatinska | Croatia

Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn is a golden sandy strip of land like no other. Located near Bol, on the island of Brač, this beach does resemble a golden horn in the sea that can reach 634metres long. What is really spectacular though is the fact that the shape of this beach changes depending on the tide, the currents and the wind!

2.  Grotta Azzurra - Campania | Italy

The Grotta Azzura or Blue Grotto, located on Capri Island, is one of the most famous sea caves in the world. Blue Grotto, which was believed to have been used as Emperor Tiberius' nymphaeum, is unique for its magical blue reflections created by the light that enters the cave through an underwater opening right below the entrance! The cavity is 54 meters long but has a very narrow entrance. It can only be accessed by small rowing boats and the passengers must keep low when entering the cavity. The Grotta Azzurra is also home to an extraordinary selection of exotic marine life.

3.  Papakolea Green Sand Beach – Hawaii | United States

Papakolea Beach, located near the south end of Hawaii’s Big Island, is well known for its distinctive and almost unreal olive green sand! There is a good explanation for this. The green sand comes from Olivine, a common mineral that was surfaced due to the volcanic activity of the area. These stones were crushed into tiny fragments by the power of the ocean and were drifted ashore. The olivine grains mixed with black sand creates the olive green color of the beach that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

4.  Hopewell Rocks - New Brunswick | Canada

The Hopewell Rocks are located in The Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site in New Brunswick. These spectacular rock formations eroded by the tides, are so popular that they have been given names like “Mother-in-Law”, “ET” and “Lover's Arch”! Visitors have the opportunity to paddle around the Bay of Fundy at high tide and have a closer look by walking on the ocean floor at low tide. Check the tide tables of the Park before visiting as high and low tide times vary each day.

5.  Playa Brava - Maldonado | Uruguay

Playa Brava is located in the famous resort area of Punta del Este, southeast of Maldonado. Playa Brava also goes by the name of Playa de los Dedos, “Beach of the Fingers” and, there is a good reason for that. First thing you notice once you set foot on that beach, is the eerie sight of five giant fingers emerging from the sand which is a sculpture of Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. La Mano "The Hand" that lies there since 1982, was sculpted in iron and cement and has become one of Punta del Este’s landmarks.

6.  Neck Beach - Tasmania | Australia

Bruny Island can be found off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania and consists of two islands. The isthmus is the long, narrow strip of land that connects North Bruny Island and South Bruny Island and separates the sea into Simpsons Bay in the western side and Adventure Bay in the eastern. Neck Beach is located in the eastern side of isthmus which is also known as “The Neck”. Best place to observe the area is from the Truganini Lookout, a timber stepped boardwalk that provides 360° stunning panoramic views of Bruny Island!

The list of course doesn’t end here. This is only a small sample of all the extraordinary places out there.

What is the most unusual beach you have ever come across?

The Beachionary Team

Photo By Flickr user Emich

If you are an unconditional romantic but you got tired of Valentine chocolates and stuffed animals, it is high time you went the extra mile and planned the Valentine experience of your life. What a better way to celebrate this special day with your partner than a romantic trip for two to one of the finest and hottest destinations in the month of February!  

Beachionary has chosen for you 5 exotic destinations for a dreamlike Valentine’s Day. Don’t pack your bags with unnecessary clothing. The only thing you will need is your bathing suit!   

1.         Sipadan Island, Sabah | Malaysia     

The island, in the Celebes Sea just off the east coast of Borneo, is formed by living corals that grew on top of a defunct volcanic cone. Sipadan is considered among the top dive destinations in the world. Divers adore these waters for the spectacular marine life that lives here. With more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species, Sipadan is an underwater treasure worth exploring!    

2.        Noordhoek Beach, Western Cape | South Africa  

Noordhoek Beach is one of Cape Town’s finest beaches. Wide open beach that stretches over 8 km from Chapman’s peak to the Kommetjie lighthouse. There are two good surf spots here, a right peaking break called the Hoek and, Dunes beach break. The enormous size of this beach and the soft white sand makes horse riding a unique experience!

 3.        Mabul Island, Sabah | Malaysia  

Mabul is a small island in the Celebes Sea less than an hour from Borneo and in close vicinity to Sipadan Island. Mabul’s shallow waters and muddy seabed are a perfect location for muck diving! Bear in mind that you will need a macro camera lens to capture the tiny exotic creatures that live in the muck.

 4.        Wailea Beach, Hawaii | United States  

On the South of Maui, Wailea Beach is a spectacular golden beach and the beachfront of Grand Wailea Resort and the Four Seasons. Get to your hotel, put on your bathing suits and go straight to Wailea Beach for a good swim. You can also choose from snorkeling, bodysurfing and paddle boarding. Whatever your plans, do not miss the astonishingly beautiful sunset!

 5.       Dover Beach, Christ Church | Barbados 

Dover Beach is near the popular St. Lawrence Gap on the south coast of Barbados. The vast sandy terrain of the beach is absolutely gorgeous for lazy walks and you can buy beverages and snacks from the stalls nearby. Dover is safe from strong undercurrents and you can take advantage of the calm waters to try boogie boarding, jet skiing or even windsurfing! 

Whatever your destination Beachionary wishes you an unforgettable Valentine’s Day! 

 The Beachionary Team

Photo By Flickr user robertpaulyoung